en the door was pushed open softly, and Pillot
himself entered. He glanced round the room cautiously, and finding me
alone closed the door behind him.

"Monsieur is in danger," said he quietly, and without wasting any time
in greeting; "his errand is known, and Conde's friends are tracking
him."

I gave a start of surprise, and thought instantly of the man who had
accosted me outside the inn; but Pillot, not allowing me time to speak,
continued, "You were unlucky in choosing this street, monsieur.
Captain Courcy with two others have ridden straight from Paris
expecting to overtake you on the road. They were unaware that you had
gone to Aunay, disguised in a blue over-all and a workman's cap."

"If Mazarin ever returns to power, Pillot, I will ask him to put you at
the head of police. How did you discover that secret?"

"It was whispered to me just after the funeral of monsieur's cousin.
Monsieur will be pleased to hear that the Abbe himself performed the
last rites."

"He could do little less, considering what my cousin had done for him.
But now, about this other business! Has Captain Courcy recognised me?"

"Yes, and he is at present informing his friends of the discovery. But
I had better begin at the beginning. After you had received the
note--oh, it is well known, monsieur!--this Courcy and two others of
his stamp were sent in pursuit. Concluding that you had gone straight
to Bruhl, they rode day and night, changing horses on the road, through
Rheims and almost as far as Mezieres. Naturally they were
unsuccessful, and, not knowing what else to do, they returned here."

"And you followed them?"

"As far as Rheims, but no farther. Knowing you had gone to Aunay, I
felt confident you could not be in front of us."

I sat drumming idly on the table, and wondering what was best to be
done. The most simple plan was to give Pillot the note, but then I had
faithfully promised Le Tellier that it should not go out of my
possession. I was in a hobble. This Courcy was evidently an old
campaigner, equally ready with his brain or sword. It would be hard to
outwit him, and I guessed that he was more than my match in a fight.

Suddenly Pillot astonished me by asking where I had hidden the note.
Perhaps it was foolish to trust one who had worked so hard for my
enemies, but somehow I felt no fear that he would play me false. He
had plotted willingly against Mazarin, but on the other hand he did not
love Conde,